Director General (DG) Rowel S. Barba of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) received on August 17 the University of the Philippines Alumni Association’s (UPAA) Distinguished Alumni Award in Public Service, highlighting his outstanding contributions to enhance the intellectual property (IP) system and raise awareness about the vital role it can play in the Philippine growth story.
The award underscores Barba’s pivotal role in scaling up efforts to protect IP rights and nurture a fertile environment for innovation and growth.
With his guidance, significant strides have been made in IPOPHL. Under his leadership, the Office introduced the supplemental rules on voluntary site-blocking, an initiative that promises to protect creative industries through an expedited process to block infringing websites. The initiative has been touted as a pioneering measure in the Asia-Pacific region.
Barba also rolled out the country’s rules on geographical indications (GI) to boost the marketability of local produce and enhance farmers’ income prospects. This has led to the registration of the Guimaras Mango as the Philippines’ first GI.
Barba is also dedicated to championing the youth, recognizing the potential of young inventors and their innovations. His leadership facilitated the fast granting of the first patent under the Youth IP Incentive Program, which was issued to the globally renowned startup PiliSeal.
In receiving the honor, Barba expressed renewed commitment to further the protection and promotion of IP in the Philippines.
“Receiving this award is both a privilege and a responsibility. I am dedicated to boost efforts in making IP’s wonders work and felt in our society and economy. This I commit not merely because I am from IPOPHL but because I firmly believe that the country’s transformation is deeply anchored on how we protect and empower our innovators, creators and entrepreneurs,” Barba said.
Department of Trade and Industries (DTI) Acting Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque praised Barba’s contributions, citing his dedication as “a significant asset to the IP ecosystem and to the country as a whole.”
“Barba’s leadership has been an inspiration for other agencies and institutions to advance policies that safeguard intellectual assets, ensuring that both creators and businesses find the support they need. This award reflects his hard work and commitment that brings a whole new meaning to public service,” Roque said.
DG Barba is among 96 distinguished graduates recognized in this year’s UPAA Awards ceremonies held at Ang Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman, Quezon City. The honorees are led by the Most Distinguished Alumnus, DMCI Holdings, Inc. Chairman and President Isidro Consunji, who worked with DG Barba when the latter served as DTI undersecretary and chair of the Construction Industry Association of the Philippines.
The UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards celebrates individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their fields and brought about substantial benefits to society and distinct honor to the university.
